Camera Bean Bag Fill

[Mocha]

Has anyone used camera bean bags for supporting their camera on a car window/door? If so, what was used to stuff the bag? If you use dried beans or rice to stuff the bag, will Customs ( in this case, in Kenya & Tanzania) let you enter the country with such a food product?

[Zuleika]

I think the idea is to fill the bag with rice/beans etc when you get there - to cut down on weight/space in your bag. (Otherwise you'd just take a purpose made beanbag!)

I have heard that pro photographers do use beanbags so I guess it must work well.

[Mocha]

Thanks, Zuleika. Yes, I would prefer to fill the bag once I'm there but I'm concerned that I may not have time to buy filler before heading out with the group (as my flight arrives late). Therefore, I'm just interested in hearing what other photographers use.

[PaulTeolis]

yes...i have brought this up several times at my photo lectures.

you can use freezer bags filled with beans, rice, corn kernels, anything
along that lines, shelled nuts would work too, but I've never tried. just visit a local market or check the streets where you are visiting for other options.

I would advise not to bring in these with you when travelling. Get them locally.

I usually have a small travel tripod with me as well, they take up no space
at all.

[alid]

I just made myself one using a filling of buckwheat (from an old pillow), inside a ziplock bag, inside a small nylon pouch. It is extremely lightweight and I think it is going to work well.

[IncaTrail50]

I'm not sure of the advantages/disadvantages but have you considered a Gorillapod camera tripod instead of the beanbag? It's extremely flexible and should work well in almost any location. It's very lightweight. I LOVE mine! Here's a link to a Canadian supplier but I'm sure it can be found elsewhere:
http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores ... mID=184652
Enjoy!

[RichieRich]

I was in Dubai before flying to Kenya so I just picked up some dried beans from a store there. There was no problem at customs. You can wait until your tour starts and then buy some at the first pitstop, but ours was on day 3 if I remember correctly, after several days of safari.

That being said, I did not use my "beanbag" at all.

You will love this trip! Bring a spare battery and lots of memory cards.

RR